Your skin forms stretch marks when it stretches so rapidly that it disrupts the production of a protein known as collagen, according to the Nemours Foundation. You may develop stretch marks if you've gained weight through puberty, pregnancy, bodybuilding or eating more calories than you burn off. Stretch marks fade over time but they won't go away completely unless you seek further treatment, according to MayoClinic.com.
Creams
Although numerous stretch mark creams -- containing ingredients such as cocoa butter and vitamin E -- claim to help stretch marks go away, they generally won't help, according to MayoClinic.com. However, a prescription of tretinoin cream can help rebuild collagen, which may improve the appearance of stretch marks that are under six weeks old and still have a pink to red color, says MayoClinic.com.
Laser Therapy
Laser stretch mark therapy involves using a laser beam to remove thin skin layers around the stretch marks, according to DocShop.com. New skin grows in its place. Different forms of laser therapy perform different functions to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The excimer laser, for example, can repigment skin by stimulating the production of melanin, according to MayoClinic.com. Another laser treatment for stretch marks is pulsed dye laser therapy, a nonwounding laser treatment that stimulates growth of collagen and elastin in the underlying skin layer to reduce the appearance of new stretch marks and potentially help older marks, says MayoClinic.com. And yet another laser treatment is fractional photothermolysis, which also stimulates collagen and elastin growth but also causes some damage to tiny areas in the skin to allow new skin to grow in, says MayoClinic.com.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that involves blowing small abrasive crystals against the skin to remove the top layer of skin, polish the surface and potentially allow new, elastic skin to grow in its place, according to MayoClinic.com. This therapy may be effective in reducing old stretch marks.
Surgery
Surgical removal of stretch marks is the most consistently effective method of making stretch marks go away, according to DocShop.com. A tummy tuck, for example, involves removing excess fat and skin from below the belly button. With this skin comes any stretch marks that came alongside the stretched, loose skin, says DocShop.com. However effective surgical stretch mark removal may be, it is also invasive and can come with side effects such as infection and scarring.
Considerations
Some procedures involve multiple treatment sessions, and most cosmetic procedures aren't covered by your medical insurance, says MayoClinic.com. Consider in advance how much time you're willing to invest in a procedure and how much you're able to afford. Also consider what results you expect to see when deciding how much time and money you're willing to invest in removing your stretch marks. A less pricey prescription cream, for example, is unlikely to produce results as dramatic as results from a costly and invasive surgery.
